Epstein responds to reports about Jim Hickey

The Cubs might be looking for a new pitching coach for the second straight offseason.

ESPN's Jesse Rogers was on ESPN 1000 with David Kaplan on Wednesday and said that Jim Hickey will more than likely not return to the Cubs.

"As of last night, I'm pretty sure Jim Hickey is not back," he said. "This is an amazing turn of events. They will be firing the hitting and pitching coach in back-to-back years. Just crazy. I don't believe Jim Hickey is back. I'm pretty much reporting that at this moment and it will be interesting who replaces him."

Epstein was asked about the report on Wednesday night by the media and had the following comment.

"I'm not in a position to formally announce the final coaching staff yet," he said. He did say that the team will announce the complete staff soon.

It appears that the Cubs might be letting go their hitting and pitching coach for a new look in 2019.